
The morning sun hid behind a canopy of dense forest trees, giving off a tinge of golden light that pierced through the leaves and landed gently on the rocky path that Xian had traversed. The leaves are wet with morning dew, creating a fresh scent, and the sound of the birds sounding merrily creates a soothing symphony of nature. The cold morning air made Xian close his cloak.
However, Xian felt that something was amiss. A powerful presence, like a pulse from nature, began to seep into his senses. He stopped his steps, trying to calm his mind and focus on the approaching energy.
"Who's there?" xian shouted, trying to hide his unrest.
Suddenly, a group of shadows emerged from behind the bushes, besieging Xian with a circular formation. In the middle of them stood a beautiful woman with dazzling and sharp eyes. His skin was pure white, jet-black long hair that glittered in the sun, and behind him appeared a pair of thin, glowing wings. This is the Demon Queen.
"What energy are you bringing, young man?" asked the Demon Queen in a melodious yet firm voice. His eyes examined Xian from head to toe, mesmerized by the aura the young man gave off.
Xian, trying to appear calm, replied, "I am just a young man in the village who is looking for my way of life, Madam."
One of the Demon Queen's entourage, a small-postured man in a green-colored robe, stepped forward confidently. "Let me impress you, young man," he said as he pulled the fruit from his pocket and began a magic trick. However, just as he was about to finish his trick, the fruit slipped out of his hand, bouncing and hit the head of the large muscular guard standing next to him.
This created a clumsy atmosphere. The muscular guard stared at the small entourage with flaming eyes, while the others tried to hold back a laugh. The Demon Queen seemed to be trying hard not to smile.
Xian, with a face that tried to hold back a laugh, said, "You must be the best magician in your kingdom, right?"
The green-robed Entourage blushed, "Ehm, I'm usually better than this" he said in a soft voice.
The Demon Queen refocused on Xian, cutting the tension with her sharp gaze. "We'll talk more about the energy you have, young man. But for now, this free magic show should be enough."
With a hand gesture, the Demon Queen ordered her entourage to retreat. Before leaving, he gave Xian a seductive and mysterious look, leaving the young man stunned for a moment.
Xian heaved a sigh of relief as they left, pondering over the strange encounter that had just happened. He continued on with growing confusion and curiosity about his mysterious presence in this forest and the reason the Demon Queen was so interested in him.
After an unexpected encounter in the forest, Xian resumed his journey. The trees are lush with lush foliage, creating a natural umbrella that protects Xian from the scorching sun. The sound of birds chirping and the rustling of river water in the distance fused together, creating a soothing melody. However, Xian's thoughts were interrupted by the meeting just now with the Demon Queen.
At the moment he was sinking into his contemplation, suddenly an arrow flashed before him and stuck right in front of his feet. From the tip of the arrow hung a letter wrapped in a golden seal. Xian carefully opened it and found a message from the Demon Queen.
"Special energy youth," wrote the Demon Queen, "My interest in your energy is not without reason. I offer you a position in my kingdom, as a sign of respect for the power you have. Consider this offer."
Before Xian could absorb the meaning of the message, a magical portal opened in front of him. From the portal appeared the Demon Queen, in a glittering dress that resembled the stars in the night sky.
"Xian," he said in a soft voice, "I don't like to linger. I'm impressed by your energy and I want you to join my kingdom. Your powers will be very useful to us."
Xian looked at him with a mixed expression of confusion and curiosity. "Why are you so interested in my power? I'm just an ordinary country boy."
The Demon Queen approached, her eyes examining Xian's face with detail. "Such "energies are rarely found. I've felt it since the first time we met."
With a graceful movement of her hand, the Demon Queen tried to pull something from under her cloak. It was supposed to be a magic crystal, but what came out was a colorful brochure with a beautiful picture of the stealth kingdom. You can see the image of a blue volcano, a lake whose water is like a mirror, as well as various types of exotic culinary that Xian has never seen before.
Xian, trying to hide his smile, said, "So, other than my strength, you also offered me a vacation to your kingdom?"
The Demon Queen smiled. "Yes, if that's what you want. But I am serious about this offer. Consider it well."
With a swift movement, the Demon Queen again entered into the portal, leaving Xian with a brochure in her hand and a raging mind. He looked at the brochure, thinking about the offer he had just given and what the Demon Queen actually wanted from him.
A new adventure seems to have just begun for Xian, and he must decide what steps to take next.
The middle sun is at its peak, providing warmth to the world. The trees in the forest swung slowly, creating a refreshing gust of wind. However, the tranquility of the forest was immediately disturbed when the magical portal reopened, and the Demon Queen appeared with a face full of anticipation.
“So, what's your decision?” he asked in a hopeful voice, watching Xian standing straight before him.
Xian took a deep breath, looking for the right words. “I thank you for your offer, Lady Queen. But I have to reject it. My way of life is not in your kingdom."
The Demon Queen looked surprised. His eyes flashed a disappointed glint, his lips quivering for a moment before he finally said, "Why? Is my kingdom not enough for you? Or is there another reason?"
Xian replied firmly, "It has nothing to do with your kingdom. It's about my life choices and the path I want to take."
The Demon Queen clenched her hands, making a strong wind blow around her. "If that's your choice, then I challenge you in a duel!"
However, Xian did not appear surprised. With a relaxed expression, he replied, "Duel? Why should we fight? What if we made the challenge more peaceful? Like... cooking competition?"
The Demon Queen looked puzzled for a moment. Then, a smile appeared on his face. "Cooking competition? Attractively. I accept your challenge! You may not know, but I am a fine chef in my kingdom."
Xian smiled, "That's what we'll see."
A long table with full cookware appeared in the middle of the forest. The two began cooking with the ingredients provided. Smoke and a tantalizing scent began to spread throughout the forest, attracting the attention of several other forest animals and creatures who had come to witness this competition.
The Demon Queen seemed focused, stirring ramen at an incredible speed, while Xian patiently grilled the fish and created a secret sauce. A serious and focused expression was visible on the faces of the two.
At the end of the competition, a plate containing food from each contestant is placed on the table. A neutral appraiser, an old deer with impressive horns, is approached to judge the taste of their food.
After tasting both dishes, the deer nodded its head, giving the decision that both of them had exceptional taste, but could not determine who was superior.
The Demon Queen looked a little annoyed, yet ended up smiling. "Alright, it seems we are equally reliable. I respect your decision, Xian."
Xian nodded, "Thank you, Lady Queen. May we meet again in a more peaceful state."
With the wind blowing softly and the sunshine shining down on the forest, the two parted ways with mutual respect, leaving a trail of unforgettable adventures in the forest.